Should You Repair Or Replace An Old Air Conditioner?
Choosing between an air conditioner repair and an air conditioner replacement involves a variety of factors. You may think that a simple repair means it’s time to get a replacement but that’s not always the case. Air conditioner repair might be a good option when your AC unit is still viable.
However, sometimes the problem is too large to fix easily, and you’ll need to replace the whole unit. Knowing exactly what to look for will help you make the decision on which option is best for your home.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
AC units can last a long time if they are properly maintained and cleaned throughout their lifespan. As a homeowner, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve enrolled in an AC maintenance plan to get the most time out of your unit. This makes a world of difference in how long the unit itself will last.
Typically air conditioning units will last 10 to 15 years. But with proper maintenance, your unit can last over 20 years! Now just because the unit is designed to last this amount of time doesn’t mean that all parts in the unit will have the same lifespan.
Different components of your AC unit will last longer or shorter than others. As your unit is used more frequently and the older it gets the more likely the internal parts will fail. While some issues may be a quick and easy fix there are parts of an AC unit that involves more labor.
Having an HVAC technician tune up your unit yearly can help you avoid costly and sudden repairs. This can help prolong the lifespan of your AC unit and keep it functioning in the best condition possible.
What Is The Cost Of Air Conditioner Repair?
The cost of an air conditioner repair can vary depending on what problems the unit is experiencing. The typical range for an AC unit repair falls between $100 to $610. This can increase if the cost of the parts is higher.
An HVAC technician can give you an estimate when they perform an assessment on your unit. It’s important to compare the cost of a repair and a replacement before making your decision. A replacement might cost more upfront but will have fewer issues in the future which can save you money.
You’ll want to check your energy bill as well to ensure that your current or old system functions efficiently. Many homeowners end up wasting a lot of money on energy bills caused by faulty AC units. Newer air conditioners tend to run more efficiently, which might save you money all year.
Signs It’s Time For an Air Conditioner Repair Or Replacement
Knowing when it’s time for your air conditioner to be repaired or replaced will make a huge difference in the comfort of your home. Some problems if left unattended may lead to bigger issues that will cost more and take more time to get fixed. Be ready to recognize the signs before it gets to a worse point.
Odd Sounds and Smells Coming From The Unit
Every air conditioning unit will have normal operating sounds when it is running. However, if there seem to be louder, strange sounds coming from your unit it might indicate a worse problem. Sounds like rattling, grinding, or screeching coming from your unit are not normal. These sounds can be a sign that a repair in the air ducts or belts is needed.
Are you smelling a pungent, bad smell coming from your AC? Does it seem like something is burning or do you smell a gas-like smell? When an AC unit is functioning properly you shouldn’t notice any smell coming from it. This is a sign that something needs to be repaired in your AC. If there is a burning or gas smell contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible. This can be dangerous if the unit is left running.
Limited Airflow And Lack Of Cold Air
The purpose of an air conditioner is to produce cold air and increase airflow in the home. If your AC unit is not fulfilling this purpose, there is likely something internal that needs a repair. This problem might be caused by the compressor in the unit going out, or even a hole or leak in the ductwork.
To resolve this problem, you’ll want to get in touch with a professional who has dealt with these issues in the past. It might be more complicated than just a simple fix and having a professional complete it will ensure there will be no further issues.
High Energy Bills
Has your energy bill skyrocketed in recent months even though you aren’t using any extra electricity? It’s very possible that your AC unit is taking up extra energy and costing you more each month. When an air conditioner is not functioning efficiently it will eat up your electricity which results in the high bill you’re seeing. This can be due to a variety of problems. To determine what the issue is you’ll need to have an assessment done by an M&M licensed professional.
Buildup Of Humidity Or Moisture
Your AC unit removes moisture and humidity from the air as it cools down your home. If you notice that your home is much more humid than normal it’s likely your air conditioner needs a repair. Having a technician get to the bottom of this problem will help you decide if air conditioner repair is best for your unit and home.
Problems With The Thermostat
For your AC unit to kick on and off and control the temperature of your home it needs to have a well-functioning thermostat. Problems with your thermostat might cause the AC unit to shut off frequently and not maintain the correct temperature in your home. Typically, this is an easy fix for a technician, so contacting about this quickly will help get your unit working properly very fast.
The Benefits Of Air Conditioner Repair
Air conditioner repair will allow you to reap many benefits and awards. There might be a very easy and quick fix to the problem your unit is experiencing and there might not be a need to have a full replacement. Some benefits of air conditioner repair include:
- Extend the lifespan of the system.
- Improve air quality.
- Reduce moisture and humidity indoors.
- Increases the system’s efficiency.
- Saves you money on your energy bill.
- Gets rid of pests and critters.
- Improve physical health by not breathing in unwanted particles.
- Your system will smell and sound better.
- You’ll feel more comfortable in your home.
Is It Time For An Air Conditioner Repair Or Replacement?
Deciding whether to have your air conditioner repaired or replaced is a personal choice. While an HVAC technician can provide you with information to help you make your decision it is ultimately up to you. A repair might be a good idea if your AC unit is still within its normal lifespan and a small problem is happening. This may end up saving you money and having your current unit around for a long time.
However, with large problems and if your air conditioning unit is past its lifespan a replacement might be recommended. AC replacements cost more upfront which might make you concerned to move forward. But a brand new unit can last 20+ years with the right maintenance so it might be the best option for your home.
A couple of questions that might help you decide if a repair or replacement is best for you are:
- How long will I be staying in the home?
- Is my current AC meeting my needs?
- Is my current AC unit running efficiently enough?
- Does my current unit too old to repair?
If you want a professional to help you decide if AC repair or replacement is best for your home, you can schedule an assessment with an HVAC professional. They will be able to run through your unit’s current problems and whether or not there is a quick fix.
Next Steps To Take For Your Air Conditioner Repair
If you’re already sure that you want to move forward with an air conditioner repair as opposed to a replacement, it’s highly recommended that you have a professional complete the job. DIY repairs for air conditioners can lead to mistakes that can cause other issues or make your current problem worse. It is not usually recommended to perform any repair on your own even if you feel comfortable doing so. HVAC systems require heavy components which can pose a hazard to those who are not used to working with them.
An HVAC professional has all of the tools, expertise, and knowledge to complete your air conditioner repair fast so that you can feel comfortable in your home again. M&M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, And Electrical are the experts in their field and can get your unit running correctly and efficiently. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
